Delhi CM Atishi Announces Hike In Minimum Wages For Unorganised Sector
The new rates include ₹18,066 for unskilled workers, ₹19,929 for semi-skilled workers and ₹21,917 for skilled workers
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Wednesday announced an increase in minimum wages for workers in the unorganised sector, ahead of the festive season. The new rates include ₹18,066 for unskilled workers, ₹19,929 for semi-skilled workers and ₹21,917 for skilled workers. This marks her first press conference since assuming office as Delhi’s CM.
Atishi credited the AAP government, under Arvind Kejriwal's leadership, for implementing the "highest" minimum wages in the country. The updated wages will be effective from 1 October, as confirmed in a statement from the Chief Minister's Office.
Other revised rates include ₹21,917 for workers with a matriculation qualification and ₹23,836 for graduates.
During the announcement, Atishi criticised the BJP for being "anti-poor" and highlighted that wages in BJP-ruled states were “perhaps half” of what Delhi workers receive. She added that despite obstructions from the BJP, the Kejriwal government had ensured the implementation and bi-annual revision of minimum wages since 2016-17 through legal battles.
According to Atishi, when the AAP government came into power in 2013, the minimum wage for unskilled workers in Delhi was ₹7,722. It was ₹8,528 for semi-skilled and ₹9,388 for skilled workers, significantly lower than today’s figures.
